November 10, 2011

Jillian Michael's BodyMedia Fit Armband Review--Now Updated!

Well it's below, and it's now been updated! The giveaway is over, sorry. And speaking from the future (July of 2012) I can add, at the bottom, some follow-up information.

Anyway, technically this is not a review of Jillian Michaels herself. But as I explained before, I'm easily confused by celebrity endorsements! Jillian has lent her name and image to the BodyMedia Fit Armband, which is a high-tech activity monitor.

At least you don't have to make up the guest bedroom for this Jillian.

So if the BodyMedia Fit armband and Jillian want to merge identities for marketing purposes, then I'm happy to go along. I will continue to treat them in my own mind as a single entity, because that's what a good consumer does.

So what is it like to exercise, go to work, eat meals, watch tv, hang out, have a beer, and go to bed with Jillian Michaels?

Life With the BodyMedia Fit Armband... The Short Version

When I first started parading around with Jillian on my arm, I have to confess it was sort of a lark. Sure, I figured it would be fun for a while... but I didn't see us having any sort of long term relationship. I couldn't help feeling a little conspicuous, for one, and I didn't feel I was at a place in my life where I needed a constant companion. I was determined to keep things casual.

But damned if she hasn't seduced me! Perhaps it's her steely gaze and patient attentiveness. Or the way she just seems to know me, accepting my shortcomings and celebrating my successes. Despite my reservations, and some frustrations (detailed below), I have to confess I'm a bit smitten! Obsessed, even. I often find myself thinking of Jillian... what's her reaction going to be? An I exercising hard enough? Would she be disappointed if I drove to the store instead of walked? Am I eating more than I should? Did I toss and turn too much last night? And why do I care so darn much???

So yeah it's been several weeks, and we're still inseparable.

You're Still Into Me, Right Crabby?

Sigh. Just Can't Quit You, Jillian!

OK, so had enough of the metaphorical relationship talk? For the sake of future BodyMedia Fit googlers, and the sanity of Cranky Fitness readers, I will attempt to get a bit more serious and specific about the armband. Oh, and to repeat the usual disclaimer: I got mine for free.

What Is the BodyMedia Fit Armband and What Does it Do?

So according to the flesh and blood Jillian, it's "the ideal way to track calories, activity, sleep, and more, and the only body monitoring weight loss tool on the market that I recommend.” It measures galvanic skin response, skin temperature, heat flux, and has a 3-axis accelerometer, and somehow manages to capture over 5,000 data points per minute.

Is the BodyMedia Fit the Same Thing as a Body Bugg?

I can't quite figure out the relationship between the two, though I'm convinced there is one. The Biggest Loser folks have been wearing Body Buggs for years, and Jillian is now pushing the BodyMedia Fit product. And researching an earlier Body Bugg version lands you on a old BodyMedia Fit page. The two systems sound very similar, with slightly different bells and whistles. Is it the same basic product, just different licensing? Completely different product? Was there some sort of ugly corporate falling-out, ending with some top executive storming out the door yelling and cursing and vowing revenge by creating a new competing brand to kick Body Bugg's plastic ass? I got bored googling after 2 minutes couldn't find an answer, so if anyone knows the scoop on whether they're the same thing or not (especially if there's any scandalous gossip involved), please let me know in the comments and I'll update.

What Are the Advantages of the BodyMedia Fit Armband?

Accuracy: It's quite a bit more comprehnsive and accurate than other activity monitors like pedometers, heart rate monitors, accelerometers, and gps devices that just pick up one or two measurements and extrapolate from there. At first I thought the FitBit was a comparable device, but this a much more high tech toy than the FitBit. Because Jillian cozies right up to your skin, she can measures physiological data that a wear-in-your-pocket device just can't.

It's not 100% perfect (see below), but it seems pretty much on target with my own tracking of calories, activity, and weight loss data. While my HRM isn't bad for cardio, it overestimates a bit. The machines in the gym are sweet-talking liars and are way off. Jillian is far more strict than most other monitors. But she also knows that it's not just your cardio, but your everyday activities that impact overall calorie burn.

Motivation & Accountability: Knowing that every movement you make is being recorded really does provide an incentive to do more! You can set targets, find out your calorie surplus or deficits, and use it to track your results over time. You can get a sense of perspective if you have a bad day... because you can see how you had them before, and are still making great progress.

Also, if you spring for the clip-on display (costs extra), you can find out during the day how you're doing relative to your targets. Did you say you were gonna walk 15,000 steps? How many minutes of vigorous activity did you commit to? If you're coming up short, it can be very helpful to know that while you can still fix it by moving more or eating less. I got to test out the clip thingy (not part of the giveaway, sorry) and found the real-time feedback to be very motivating.

Ease of Use: If you're trying to track your daily calorie expenditure, the fact that the BodyMedia Fit records all your everyday activity, and not just your cardio, means you don't have to come up with wild-ass guesses for non cardio activities. Hmm, went to the mall, spent an hour shopping. Is that like walking? Slow-dancing? Yoga? Who knows? But if you wear this thingy, it just takes care of it automatically.

It gets even easier over time, because as it learns things about you (like how many calories you log on a Light Eating day versus a Total Pig Out day) you can use more shortcuts for entering data.

Extremely Useful Data: This is relative, of course. Some people already have all the information they want. But recently I've been trying to put a stop to early signs of menopausal weight gain, and I badly needed to recalibrate my ratio of activity to calorie consumption. Finding out how many calories I burn with various levels of daily activity... fascinating, and often surprising! And the sleep info is also really useful, especially if you tend to confuse time in bed with time spent sleeping. NOT the same thing. Like Santa Claus in the song, Jillian knows when you are sleeping. She knows when you're awake. She knows when you've been bad or good... so be good for goodness sake!

What Are the Disadvantages of the BodyMedia Fit Armband?

Accuracy: Well, despite her general reliability, Jillian and I still had a few trust issues. And I'm sad to say some of these occurred... in bed. While BodyMedia's assessment of my activity levels might be the best out there, according to the data, I burn exactly the same number of calories when I'm lying down asleep as I do standing at my workstation. Really? Either I have quite an active nightlife I'm unaware of, or it confuses my non-moving left bicep while at my desk with full-body catatonia. Or perhaps I have some extraordinary ability to arrange my body in a standing position that requires no muscle activity at all? Jillian was also apparently asleep a couple of nights and missed it when I woke up, got up to use the restroom, and stayed awake for what seemed a long time. I think Jillian got most of my night-time wakings recorded, but the algorithm isn't entirely perfect and she missed a few.

Calories In, Calories Out Model: That's what this weight management system is based on. But this is kinda old school thinking, isn't it? For me, it's fine--I'm already doing a lot to optimize the nutritional quality of the foods I eat and the fat-burning and muscle building efficiency of the exercise I get. So a purely quantitative measure of input and output was actually the missing piece I needed to reverse the weight gain I was experiencing. But more and more research points to the idea that what you eat and how you exercise that are tremendously important in weight management, not just how much of either you do.

Eating Disorder/OCD Alert: If you are at all prone to eating disorders, or to obsessing about your weight, calories, or exercise--this gizmo will escalate you into full-blown straight-jacket wearing, gibberish-spewing, walk-24-hours-straight-'cause-look-how-many-calories-it-burns insanity. It is a very rich source of information. Use with extreme caution.

Conspicuousness: If you want to wear short sleeves, people are going to see it. This can be a bonding experience (I've had several long conversations with people I've run into at Whole Foods and the gym). But at a cocktail party or a formal work environment? You may feel a bit awkward unless it's cold enough for long sleeves. The new "Core" Armband is smaller, but still noticeable. (Jillian is wearing the Core version; I've got the older one. The giveaway is the older version).

Not Water-Proof: It's water resistant, but you can't wear it swimming or in the shower.

Skin Sensitivity: If you are prone to allergic reactions or otherwise have sensitive skin, this thing might drive you crazy. It sits there snugly in the same place most of the day, and leaves a noticeable impression when you take it off. And you need to wash and disinfect it periodically even if you don't have skin issues or it starts to get itchy. Um, hypothetically. Because of course I am always on top of the hygiene issue and would never just space that out.

Off Body Activity Logging: If you're not wearing the armband, you can manually log your activities. Great! But the interface totally sucks. There are very few choices relative to possible activities, and you can't just enter a calorie total even if you have a pretty good idea what it might be. I ended up jiggering with my calorie consumption data to compensate several times because my chosen activity wasn't listed.

Price! It ain't cheap (the one I was given, the "Advantage" retails for $179 and up) though there are frequent specials & deals at Costco and other places. However, it's not just the armband you have to pay for; the online software package that you need to read the monitor is by subscription only after a trial period! (Though in fairness, it's not terribly expensive). And if you want to read your activity levels throughout the day, there's no display on the armband; you have to wait until you can sync with your PC or spring for the optional clip-on display unit... which doesn't even come with a wristband. That's extra too!

My suggestion to the BodyMedia Fit folks: stop looking like money-grubbing tightwads and give people a lifetime subscription when they buy the armband! It's software that lives in the cloud, fer goodness sake, throw it in for free. And a display should come with the unit if you can't build it into the armband itself.

Recap (Nov 2011): Jillian would not be everyone's best friend, but if you're serious and motivated about weight management, and don't mind wearing an armband, she's pretty darn helpful and fun and motivating. I went in skeptical and now am totally hooked.

Update!(July 2012) : Sadly, Jillian walked out on me a few months after we took up together. The device stopped synching with my computer. Was this an easy free fix or an expensive hassle?

I don't know because by then I was getting pretty tired of being chained to a clunky armband all the time. So I didn't even try to find out. Plus I was too cheap to contemplate paying for my own subscription.

It served it's purpose well while I wore it, but for me to be a long-term user, the monitoring device would need to get substantially smaller and more discrete. (Note: they gave me a larger, older version but even the one Jillian has on is not exactly invisible). Plus ideally the thing should not stop working a few months out of the box.

Note: if there are any sad BodyMedia Fit reps reading this in the future who have a New Improved version that ain't gonna feel cumbersome and will keep working for more than a few months, I'm game to try again!

So, would you like to have Jillian on your arm, sharing all your meals and activities day and night? Or does the whole idea of comprehensive activity monitoring give you the heebie-jeebies?

I'd love to try it. I've gained back a not-insignificant chunk of weight that I lost a few years ago, and I recognize that gizmos motivate me to pay attention to my fitness and nutriton. I, too, have been toying with the idea of the not-super-magically-accurate FitBit ('cause it's much cheaper), but I'd really rather try a BodyMedia Fit doolie thing.

I have been looking into these for a while and it would be great to try. I'm rather interested in the sleeping aspect as I'm curious how well I actually sleep at night. I would definitely love to try it!

Thank you for reviewing this! I think these sorts of things can be tremendously useful in terms of motivation. At least, when I remember to turn on the pedometer I tend to walk more, since I can see my progress.Maybe, since you and Miss J. are so close, you could speak to her about designing these armband things in different styles? I'm thinking something with a bit of bling to accessorize with your evening attire when you're out socializing with the stars in SoCal.

I was wondering if this was related to the Bug as well. I have a coworker who has been having a massive affair with his Bug for a few years - all to great results. So sign me up, I'd love to give it a try. I'm a gadget geek and have been wanting to step up from my basic pedometer!(And yeah, for that kind of outlay they ought throw in the software for free...or dirt cheap.)

I can't wait to hear what kind of search hits you get from the opening half of this post. :)

So, first I'd like to say that I think you're much cuter than Jillian in your photo, especially without all of the hoity toity makeup, airbrush and wardrobe bitches swarming you to be sure all of your parts are in place. (Unless you do, then that kinda puts you more on the celeb level than the McSlacker level and that would just be wrong)Next, I would love for a robotic arm band to hold me accountable, because my FitBit is great and all, but doesn't track as accurately as I'd like and I'm too busy/lazy/bitter/forgetful/ADD squirrel-like to input all my crap online like I should. Finally, yes, this is a 2nd comment on this post, but you cracked the door open with your morning invite and I'm here to kick that bitch down with my best non-ninja HIYAH sound ever!Teeheehee

You made me want one, right up until you mentioned that I had to pay for a subscription. As broke as I am and the way my luck goes, I would win it, only to have to give it away. Oh well, I am sure who ever wind it will be delighted.

And I'm so sorry, cause it is a serious issue, but this cracked me up"

~~If you are at all prone to eating disorders, or to obsessing about your weight, calories, or exercise--this gizmo will escalate you into full-blown straight-jacket wearing, gibberish-spewing, walk-24-hours-straight-'cause-look-how-many-calories-it-burns insanity. ~~

I have always wanted to use the one they use on the Biggest Loser....and this seems like a great substitute/or same thing. I have a huge girl crush on Jillian (shhhhhh dont tell the hubby) and would love to take her with me every where!

Why yes, I would like to have a free activity tracker. I've looked at the Body Bugg and similar stuff earlier. Although I probably don't really need them it would do much to appease my OCD to be able to track all of this stuff.

Oh! I was looking online for a good heart rate monitor for a while now but they all seems to be so expensive and just can not afford one at this time. Currently I'm really trying hard to finally lose some extra weight and HRM would help me tremendously:)

i am intrigued. especially since i never really considered that the calories burned displayed on the machines at the gym might be wrong. my whole entire world has been turned upside down! jillian, help meeee

Wow, it's not often that giveaways such as this are available to us people outside of the US? I've wanted something like this for a long time. Although I'm really fit at the moment I have quite a bit to lose to get back down to my 'racing weight', so I'd love to have an accurate idea of exactly what I'm actually burning!

This sounds awesome! I have never heard of a band doing so much, I guess I'm behind on the times here. I would love to use something like this and I so LOVE Jillian Michael's! Does the band track your running pace as well? If I don't win I will be looking at Costco.

Wow, how cool! I just stumbled on this looking for some tips regarding my bodybugg - my husband got me one for my birthday last week and I'm slowly falling in love. But he's the one that really needs it :) If I could win one for him, that would be great!

It's unfortunate it has a subscription plan too. I had looked into the Body Bugg and was turned off by the same thought, but figured it could be bypassed with the wrist watch, since you wouldn't need a computer. After two weeks the data is full on the body bugg and it won't work again unless you unload the info online. What a rip off for such an expensive product.

Do you know if this will do the same thing?

The subscription cost will be less offensive with a free device though, so fingers crossed.

Oooh, I'd love to try this! Been thinking about the FitBit or something similar but heard about the BodyMedia on Jillian's podcast. Am 9.1 pounds from goal and just can't seem to get there after losing 115 pounds... so excited for a chance to win!

Might be whats needed to get me out of this plateau! 2 months of grunting, groaning, running, jumping, kicking, swimming, lifting, dancing and eating perfectly and this body of mine... (grumble groan and lots of nasty swear words) just doesn't want to do the right thing by me. Oh what I would give to have a little help to get me past it finally!!!

Oh I would love love love to try this!!! I already write down everything I eat & every workout, but got overdosed on thyroid meds last year & have blown up 15 pounds that I cannot seem to lose. Thanks, Happy Monday!!! :-) Debbie Baker

I've used a Body Bugg for years- i would be up to trying something new.. For me having something that I can look at that keeps me motivated- ( calories burned- activity time- calories ingested..help soo much.. If you don't win- it's really worth the $ you spend to stay on top of your calories in and calories out..

It's hard to come up with the money for things like this! I personally would love the extra help. Have been struggling to lose weight after my second baby. Then broke my foot and now have an additional 25lbs to lose. So I'm looking at about 80lbs total.

I have been researching this for the last hour or so. The difference I see between this and the Bodybugg is that the BB doesn't track your sleep. I'm thinking of ordering one to get back on track. I do work out, but snack too much at night and need to be accountable to what I'm putting in my mouth!!!

Sorry!!! I missed it this would be the perfect christmas gift for me. I've been trying to loose weight since suffering from ATN last year. The serious high dosages of steroids really packed the pounds on my body. Not to mention the muscle weakness and all over body pain. I think I'm ready for seriously putting some effort to get back where I was, fit and happy. This gadget would really motivate and keep me in track.

What irks me most is not the subscription per se, but that they consider your data theirs. You can't get your raw information to put into your own speadsheet, you can only view YOUR data through THEIR web site :(

Hi - I work for BodyMedia. BodyMedia is the manufacturer and innovator of the bodybugg technology. You can compare the exact differences with this tool on our website: http://www.bodymedia.com/Products/Learn-More/Compare

Sadly, my armband stopped talking to my laptop a couple weeks ago, and it's on my to-do list to figure out how to get it fixed.

Part of me is glad to have Jillian stop noticing my every move, but I also notice I'm not as careful with my calories nor am getting quite as much activity as when I was parading around with her on my arm...go figure!

When the Body Media device works, it is amazing. We have had many issues though. The device does not sync with the computer or with the iPhone app. Now it won't charge. We have tried every troubleshooting step and followed every direction for the BM help desk. Today they are apparently are inundated with phone calls and are not accepting support calls. This type of technology has helped me reach my goals but,I think the devise is not ready for prime time. I suggest that anyone interested in the devise go to the BodyMedia Fit facebook page and read the posts. Also take a look at other reviews available on the web.

I began using the BodyMedia armband and love it. I wish I had discovered this incredible tool and best friend at the beginning of my journey. With the the bodymedia fit, I have been able to push through those dreaded weight loss "walls." I use this tool to challenge myself to go further and faster so that I can see my summary results improve each day. I still have more weight to lose in order to reach my final goal, but I am confident that I can do it.

It's been approximately 6 months since I've used the bodymedia fit and I'm still trying to find the best way to use my treadmill at home. The nike+ can do this with indoor mode but is there a similar function to bodymedia?

I bought mine on e-bay in great condition, used for $60. I Loved My Bodymedia for the 3 Free Months Especially Keeping Up With My Sleep Patterns, If I keep It I Now have to pay $7.45 each month (after taxes) That Is a big Negative For Me, So I am selling it, but another big negative to me is it doesn't have a heart rate monitor on it you have to buy another gadget to link up to this in order to see what your heart rate is doing. I need to know what my heart rate is doing during exercise, and Gamma is only one that is compatible with bodymedia & very expensive. For the price they charge on this it should have came with a built in heart rate monitor. My best investment before I bought Bodymedia was the Polar Watch With the Chest Strap it tells you your heart rate in real time & its really accurate, calories burned, length of time, how long you were in the Zone, Very motivating and I use My Fitness Pal Online For Keeping Up With Calories Eating & Exercising, and its Free & Wonderful! Plus I have friends on there to help support me as I go on this journey. I found myself only using Bodymedia for the Sleep Thing & that was all. I rather have a watch on so I can see my work out progress as I go along throughout the day for motivation instead of having to wait until I get home to plug into my computer to see I could have done more on exercising. You can buy the Display Screen To see what your doing in real time but you have to buy it separately & its small hard to read & it doesn't even come with a strap for your wrist just a round monitor. Strap Sold Separately (go figure). The monitor by itself was over $30, And I found if you want to keep up with your sleep progress and you have a smart phone download the free app called "Sleep Bot" its great & it will tell you how well you slept. Bodymedia was telling me I was burning 500 calories in my sleep. Sorry but I don't believe the calories were accurate on Bodymedia if it was I would be so skinny. If you want motivation to lose weight and get educated use "My Fitness Pal". So many foods already pre-downloaded, bodymedia not so much. So save yourself the money unless you have it to spend. :)

I bought Jawbone's Up Bracelet which does the same thing. The interface is easy to use and provides a lot of data. There is no additional charge or subscription fee for the software. I wear mine all the time and it can be worn in the shower. Since it is a bracelet, it looks much better than the armband. I highly recommend it as an alternative.